The Supreme Court has asked the Centre not to form a pharma policy which may cause increase in the price of essential drugs.

A bench of Justices G S Singhvi and S J Mukhopadhaya said drugs prescribed by the doctors are going beyond the reach of the common man. The court said any formula for price fixation which goes against common man should be quashed.

It said government can have concern for drug manufacturers but it must have substantial concern for the common man.

During the arguments, the apex court asked Additional Solicitor General to take specific instruction from the government as to when the new drug policy would be notified